Laptop purchase accomplished

Well, I did it. I replaced my laptop. I purchased a Sony Vaio 1GB RAM 1.67GHZ machine (Duo processor). I got it at Costco . I am soooo pleased I can't hardly contain myself. I am sitting on it now typing this post. :) It will more than suffice for what I need in the coming years. Hell..my Dell was still sufficient except for the fact that the hardware was dying and my honey bunny was filling to hard drive to capacity to the point I couldn't work on it anymore.

As a point of desperation, I've made this my machine. My sweetheart gets to keep the Dell and do with it as he wishes. I'll pull the rest of my data off of it and off my main machine at work that is personal. This machine will handle all of that data - including when I pull music for my IPod etc. I'll do my programming on this machine that I want to do like my Treo cross-stitch program (no...it hasn't been lost in the ether but it disappeared with the lack of ability to get on my laptop due to no disk space *sigh*).

This is also a way for me to get a chance to breathe. I can play to my heart's content and *gasp* answer personal email from home. I know. Time fall down in a dead faint! :)

It's soo pretty.. :)

The count down begins

Well last night we got a new package in the mail from the pre-school. It was a calendar of events for the school year and a general do this and please don't bring that...

Wow! Irene will get to go on 2 Field Trips in the latter part of the school year. The first to Long Marine Labs and the other to the beach. Each of the months have a theme and as a result they study certain things.
ex:
Sept = Getting to know you month
= bring an object to show and tell
= learn about our world (earth)
etc
Oct = Turn of the seasons
= learn about autumn
= learn about Mars
= Pajama day on Halloween!!! OMG!! :D

I think I am ready to go back to this school!!! I think I am really starting to get excited about this idea. I hope Irene enjoys this.

*biting nails*
BTW: hubby announced to work that he will be taking first day of school off due to my probably being a basket case that day. *rolling eyes* he knows me too well.

Be Afraid.

Oh dear lord....

click here...

Believe it or not...this was on my main page of my google home page.

Feeling motivated

Wow..what a wonderful thing vacation really is. I am finally motivated again to get moving and work on the house. You'll fall over in a dead faint..but this morning, I forced the honey bunny out of bed, made the bed, made the little one's bed, got her breakfast, got dressed and started her lunch within a 1/2 hour!!!! Jeez.

This weekend was devoted to cleaning up, and cross-stitching. I was very pleased to get through the bills etc and get everything shredded that we didn't need anymore. This week is to be devoted to more shredding and getting ready to put in 2 more Gorilla racks in the garage. I am basically finding that the more shredding I do, the more room I have in the garage...isn't that amazing? ;). It's scary too. It tells me if I would just keep up with crap, and get things paid and put online, then I wouldn't have this paper issue out in the garage.

I am determined to get spaces organized and put together. I am so done with clutter. Oh!!! I even put up pictures this weekend that have been down for months due to a reorg of one of the walls *gasp*. I had to get stuff put away. I am going insane otherwise.

Anyway..that was my weekend. :)

We have returned...

Well I thought I would send out a short post to let everyone know we are back. We went to Sacramento last week to visit Grammy. It was fun albeit tiring. Chasing Irene around almost perpetually forced me to looose another 1 1/2 lbs. :) I hope it still shows when I go weigh in at Weight Watchers this week. It tells me that if I would move more in my job, I would find that I wouldn't gain so much weight with what I eat.

We went shopping to JoAnn's of course and they had 2 of my samplers I have been dying for. Got the Summer and Autumn Samplers that I have been drooling over. *sigh*. We also made it to Sac Zoo. Irene wasn't thrilled about it. I think we'll wait another year before going to Happy Hollow. She's not ready for a petting zoo by any means *sigh*. I think I ahd more fun than she did. Got pics though. So I am going to print them here at the house and put them in her picture book she has. Maybe it will help enjoyment going forward.

I had a girls day (mom watched Irene) and we all went to the SunSplash Water Park. Man!!! that was a blast! Wave Pool! Slides for all ages, circular ride the water area. It was really nice. I also learned about a Rash Guard which will help both Irene and me with sun and sun screen. Found out I am allergic to Hawaian Tropic sun tan lotion while I was there. *sigh*. no rash, but it did sting and didn't filter any sun for me. Fortunately the Water park folks saved me on this and I was able to use their Sea And Ski 50. I am sure the Rash guard will be expensive, but worth it. oh!!! had to buy a new swim suit for the occasion because I didn't have mine. Man..it was definitely time. So much more comfortable.

OH! Amber: Almost finished with your piece. :) Am on the last 1/4. Maybe next week! :) heheheh

Will post up pics when I get a chance. Am hoping to do it today. We'll see. Gotta pic up the honey bunny at 1:45 today.

More soon!

of course...

Because I am waiting on a build to install, I just *had* to go to JoAnns.com to see what was happening up there. *sigh*. 40% off an item today (those Sandy Orton cross-stitch pieces are calling), and 40% off all their Ott-lites. Been thinking about replacing the one i have. Marcus hates it when I use it because of it's position. Have been thinking about replacing it with an over the shoulder one instead.

*sigh* I guess it's either shopping or eating!! what do you do?

Thomas is AWESOME

I can remember when I was child-less and heard other parents RAVING and excited about a children's toy that had come to life. I thought then, "My god! They've lost it! Parenting has burned out the adult in them and they are regressing."

Well it's happened to me. We took Irene to see Thomas the Tank Engine. My god, what a fun time! We were so late in getting our act together though that I didn't realize I needed to purchase tickets LONG beforehand. Bummed by this, I thought, oh..I guess we won't go. WRONG! I ended up calling to find out if we could still come and at least let Irene see Thomas. That would be something at least. We were told there would be tons of things to do.

So we went. And man! They were not kidding. Jeez. They had Lego Thomas that kids could climb up on.

Yes..Kids are in the engine are and can sit in there. It was totally cool.

They had soft blow-up-big-as-a-house Thomas. :) They had the gift shop full of nothing but Thomas. Also included was pictures with Sir Tompum (sp?) Hat and even with Thomas himself. So if you haven't gone, go!!! Even though you can't ride with Thomas, their other trains are running.

Take a basket lunch if you want to avoid lines and money issues. We did this and sat out on the picnic tables. Irene told us she was ready for nap just after lunch. :) She slept for 2 3/4 hrs after that. She had a blast. She had that constant "oooooo!!!!" look on her face everywhere we went.

If you want to know more, go to http://RoaringCamp.com

This was a really awesome trip.

She's been ACCEPTED!

Well, it's not the "The cross-stitch is finished" post (sorry Amber), but it's still pretty cool none-the-less. :) Irene's been accepted to her pre-school. We're very excited but boy..was last Friday hard. I had to tell her day-care provider that she would be leaving at the end of August. :( I was in pieces, and both Fuzzy and Claire were in pieces. Fuzzy didn't want to talk about it, which I can accept. We all have to work through things in our own way. I did find that Claire was willing to cry with me though. That helped a lot. I took flowers to them on Friday evening from Flower Outlet here in SV. They were quite pretty and I was very pleased. Highly recommend it if you're looking for some nice ones - especially roses.

I am now working on a special project which I am hoping to finish and order from Shutterfly.com tonight. I am taking pictures from across the last 3 years that they have known Irene and make them into a nice 8x10 cloth album. If you haven't experienced Shutterfly, you should try it. I am a regular user. They have come out with a new studio program for organization, importation and upload. It's really nice. Much faster than using Adobe's Photo album which I am a firm believer in as well. But unless I need to make web pages, I use shutterfly. Adobe's program is just too slow now.

I can't wait to see the finished product. They will get that on Irene's last day. :) I hope they will enjoy it.

Things are busy

Well, the world seems busier and hotter than possible. Living in our wonderful pool has truly brought a new perpective to the word HOT. Our pool over this last week has heated to a balmy 84 degrees. Last night it was a bath! The pool was warmer than the outside temperature at 8:30pm.

You guessing right if you think that is where I am going to be again tonight. :)

Besides temperatures, I am finally getting back to Cross-Stitching. I went on hiatius for 2 weeks (sorry Amber). But it's making progress again finally. Dark Shadows accompanies my evenings that I get to myself in order to work on it and continues to make me giddy with anticipation to get both going after getting the baby to bed.

We're still waiting for info on whether we'll get into Quail Hollow Children's Center. We're hoping so. I have to figure all that mess (moving out of current daycare etc) out but am being a stick in the mudd (head down - what an image eh?). When the time comes, I'll deal with it.

We're 3 weeks away from going on vacation to my Mom's up in Sacramento. The little one can't wait. She asks about "Grammy and Tata" almost every day. I am looking forward to it too. Would like to be able to just enjoy my family without the stress of worrying about my house being clean enough, the things picked up, etc. There's just something about going home to Mom's house that makes me relax. :)

Work is still insane. This scrum stuff I think has changed my view of the world and what I need to accomplish. I suddenly feel if I stop, the world will move without me and leave me in the dust. So thus I don't write too often here anymore again. Not sure if I mind though. I feel accomplished and that's good.

Hopefully next post will be: Cross-stitch is FINISHED. :)

Time for an update

Well, I have been told that I need to update my blog. :) It's been soo busy right now and so many things to do and keep up with that this has gone by the way-side. Today, however, I decided that I would take care of some of those "by the wayside" things. This included going through my home email which I haven't touched for a month and a half. *scary*

So what's happened, you ask?
Well, we (we meaning my honey bunny) took an application down to the Quail Hollow Children's Center today. We now have to follow up with the owner to find out if there are spaces available for Irene. We'll see.

I finally got around to talking with our current Daycare provider to let her know that we are in the process of getting this done. She's trying to convince me to look at other places but I am currently doing the nodding and smiling and we're going to continue to do what we would prefer to do. Things went a lot smoother than I expected in all honesty. I told her "Heads up, we're looking to put Irene into The Children's Center in Sept." She of course wanted to know why we were doing things earlier than expected. I explained that we thought it would be a good opportunity for her to try. She still talked about "going to school" and was very excited about the whole thing. I also explained that she might enjoy the older age group a bit more and that because potty training was not as big of a requirement, that we wanted to see if it would help her to not do the regression she is currently going through. I know it's expected, but still going through it is causing me a bit of concern even though. :) Needless to say, the ultimate answer that came from our provider was "We have to do what's best for Irene." I was relieved to put it mildly. Then the guilt set in *sigh*. Doing better with it now. That was around Wed or Thurs of last week I think I did this.

Gone back to gym! YAY! It's been wonderful! It's amazing what situps weights and walking will do.

Getting prepared for a vacation in Aug. Daycare is closing for a week and so I am going up to my Mom's to get away. Granted it's going to hot hot hot (Sacramento area) but we're goijng to see "Grammy" and that is Irene's favorite person in the world. :)

Irene is recognizing her #'s out of order now! That's been a new thing for the last 2-3 days. It's been fun for her to pick up a shoe or a book or something and say "Seven! That's a Seven!". :)

Irene's also been in a growth spurt. A pair of pants that have fit perfectly for over several months had to be safty-pinned to keep them around her waist. Jeez. Gotta measure her soon.

Went to see Pirates of the Caribbean on Monday night while Irene had a babysitter! YAY! First time out in months it feels like where we are doing something we wanted to do, instead of something we were obligated to do. The movie is awesome! Highly recommend it. In our opinion much more violent than the first. But the special effects were awesome and the end was a complete surprise to me! (I am not going to ruin it by posting what happens - go see it. It's fun! :) ).

Last but not least, I am still working on the latest huck towel. Stopped stitching for a week - maybe more. So did some more this weekend. It's so much fun to pet (literally). I don't know why but after I stitch a block, I have to go and pet it. It's so pretty. :) Can't wait till it's done. Time for more Dark Shadows and Cross-stitch. :)

That's about it for this round. Hope it helps to update everyone. Will try to post more in a couple of days. Might be next week though.

Star Wars vs Star Trek

This was totally cool. Marcus sent me this one as well as the previous.

Star Wars Vs Star Trek

This one was fun. :)...course..you do have to consider the person that is posting this. :-/ heh. I am such a geek

ROFL

Ok, This is so totally wrong but the music was intensely catchy. You'll need speakers or headphones. I had to share.

Mai Ah Hee

there are TONS of videos with this same piece of music...talk about totally wacked. I guess that one person makes loads of different types of stuff. So much so so that she caught the attention of MTV and now has a TV deal. *shaking head*..go figure.
Music by: O-zone
Title: Mai ah Hee

Purchasing Cross-stitch

Well purchases in the area of cross-stitch has gone up the ying-yang. I just got the order in on a new set of huck towel designs (3 new books bwwaaaahhhahah). Then I actually had to replace my Ott-lite desktop lamp bulb (first time ever and I have had this thing for a long time). BTW: if you're a stitcher..this type of lamp is SOOO nice for detail work and when you don't have natural light available. Have a look here for all their stuff. *wide evil grin*

Then of course there is the finding and purchasing of the butterfly switchplate kit. That came in this weekend. So needless to say that one will be done after this huck towel I am working on is finished. See...it has all these...umm oh.. I can't say what the huck towel has *wide evil grin*. Sorry amber..no hints :).

Then of course I am *dyin*. My new The Cross-stitcher mag came out and of course the set of Sandy Orton pieces I am drooling over was printed on the first page. The following

Winter Sampler

Autumn Sampler

Summer Sampler

and of course the Coming Soon Spring Sampler which they had in the mag but not on the web site all continue to be a central drool point for me. I have put these on my wish list. My mother is happily supporting my habit when it comes to birthday and christmas ideas :). Then of course there is the Iris I still want to do and and and and and. :) You get the picture. :)

To put a better spin on the day

Well this afternoon was much better :) To the wonderful friends in this world, I so appreciate everyone's company. It always makes me feel better.

I started on Amber's project in Cross-stitch last night. It promises to be just as wonderfully beautiful as the previous it already. :D Can't wait to get to it tonight ( hoping the weather won't kill me first). It's currently registering 102 outside. Pool here I come!

I just have 1 question

I will preface this with, my child isn't old enough to use a computer and I realize that I am probably on my "high and mighty chair", but where were the parents in this whole thing??? I just saw this, and am wondering how the *mother* can actually believe they are going to get away with this law suit???

Where the hell are the parents? If the parent can't handle a computer but feel they need one in the house, then a) get lessons b) find out if there is community support to help educate parents on things to look out for c) talk with the kid about what they can and can't use on the computer d) talk with the internet provider about blocking software. I am ready to rip my hair out on this. I can't say as I am surprised though considering how the social mentality seems to be "Teach my child about sex cause I can't talk to them about it." "Please rip out content that you think is in appropriate cause I can't seem to make my own decisions."

I think my Grumpy mug fits me perfectly today.

To Friends and Their endevors!

Today is yet another day in many, but my pal Rebecca is moving on to bigger and better things in this world. I am rather feeling sorry for myself because I will miss having coffee with her in the mornings (hmmm..hey Rebecca..had a thought..how about outside in the courtyard every now and again?). *wide grin*.

She's not moving far away. In fact, she'll be in the same building but just in a different mod than where we are now. It's been a fun time and I am ever so glad that we got to do things that we have done here together.

I am crossing my fingers and toes and every other possible thing on my body that she'll find wonderful new challenges and happiness in this new job. She really deserves happiness.. :)

*HUGS* my dear..... ok ... feeling sorry for myself needs to end now... OH LORD!! I gotta still make reservations!!!! *doh*

Ok..here are the pics!!!!

It's FINALLY HERE!!!!

They were up on Yahoo yesterday when I posted the fact that I was finished *evil grin*, but I decided to wait till Rebecca got to see the piece first before I posted.

To the left is the full piece in all it's glory. Close up shots of the Butterfly and the grapes can be found at:

Butterfly Upclose 1

Butterfly Upclose 2


I am really going on a Butterfly kick me thinks. Irene's room is going to get a butterfly upgrade by getting a new switch plate which I ordered a few days ago. I'll probably finish Amber's piece and then stop and do that. Waaaayy too much fun.

BWAAHHHAAAHHH!!! Success!!! It is finished!!!

I have so much to catch people up on..it's not even funny. We have the pre-school episode, the let's decorate the little one's room so I stop calling her "The Baby", as well as I have found all the towel designs I am going to make for everyone. The best one, though!? Guess what I finished last night!? :)

The house warming cross-stitch pieces are moving along. 2 Down..2 more to go. :) oh..and ladies, I found some better patterns than I was originally going to do for the last two. *wide evil grin*. I went shopping at Beverly's and they happened to have a couple of towel design books that I *had* to pick up.

I will post pictures as soon as I give the gift..I don't want to ruin the suprise ;) . *wide evil grin*. It really did come out better than the original picture in the magazine. I am so pleased with it.

enjoy the suspense!

Potty training moving along

Well...the Memorial Day weekend saw an interesting furtherance. The little one decided to actually go poopy in the potty. :) Momma was very pleased with this as it was the first time at home. She's been doing this at daycare pretty well lately. I have to say I am surprised. I was not expecting her to figure this out the way she is. Right now, it's been a trip to the potty when she realizes that she wants to try, or Momma finding she is concentrating a bit too hard and can catch her in the process. Daycare has been catching her in the mornings at times and then always after nap she will go pee pee. I hope that this turns out to be a wonderful blessing. I guess it's time for me to get that portable potty for the car that I planned on getting from One Step Ahead. :)

Growing Pains - Pt2

Well..just got a call from the Pre-school. We're scheduled for an appt to say hello on Friday June 2nd at 10am. *sigh*. I think I am going to go insane.